Universal FINALLY names huge new £6billion theme park opening in UK
UNIVERSAL has confirmed the name of its new theme park opening in the UK, with a newly-release image of the park’s logo.
Set to be built in Bedford, the new theme park will be called ‘Universal United Kingdom Resort’.
The park was given the green light in 2025, and works started on the site earlier this year.
It will be the first Universal theme park in Europe, and it is scheduled to open in 2031.
Comcast NBCUniversal will be investing £5billion into the project, as well as an additional £1billion in capital investment over the first 10 years of operation and £1.3billion from the UK government to support local infrastructure.
It expects to boost the UK economy by as much as £50billion by 2055, and create 28,000 jobs.
Once open, the theme park is set to become the country’s most popular tourist attraction.
Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, said: “Today marks a significant milestone on our journey to bring Universal United Kingdom Resort, featuring immersive storytelling, thrilling attractions and unparalleled creativity and innovation to the UK.
“This new theme park and resort will create so many new opportunities for the people of Bedford and beyond and allow us to share our distinct experiences with guests from around the world.”
This was echoed by Brian Roberts, Chairman of Comcast Corporation, who said: “This historic partnership is a special moment for our company as we bring our first Universal theme park and resort to Europe.”
As for what kind of themed lands and rides would open at the UK Universal, very little is known.
But there are rumours suggesting that some could be based on James Bond, Paddington, Lord of the Rings, Minions, Jurassic World, and Back to the Future.
It is unlikely to include Harry Potter due to licensing rules and that nearby is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction.
What is known is that across 662 acres, there will be four ‘zones’ – the Core Zone, Lake Zone, West Gateway Zone and the East Gateway Zone.
More accommodation and business hotels will be at the Lake Zone, as well as an entertainment complex and a convention centre.
West Gateway Zone and the East Gateway Zone will be where guests arrive by train and car, with restaurants and hotels.
This is also likely to be where the Entry Plaza area will be, as well as parking and a 500-room hotel.
The Entry Plaza is expected to be the free-to-visit area where tickets aren’t required, similar to Universal’s CityWalk in Orlando.
What does the new Universal theme park mean for the rest of the UK?
Outside of the theme park, Universal has committed to creating new training opportunities with apprenticeships and internships.
This is alongside the multi-billion Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor which will see Bedford become an “innovation hub”.
Along with the £1.3 billion investment, the government will provide a grant of £400million through the exceptional Regional Growth Fund.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport will provide a grant of £438million to invest in new community infrastructure, both paid when the park is open.
The Department for Transport is also going ahead with plans to upgrade the strategic road and rail network, on the A421 and at Wixams station at an expected cost of £474million.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “This landmark investment in the heart of the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor will unlock nearly £50billion of economic growth and create tens of thousands of jobs across Bedfordshire in construction, hospitality, creative and technology sectors.
“Our own investment in transport and infrastructure means that local people will benefit — improving connectivity, backing our creative industries, and bringing millions of visitors to the UK from across the world.
“We have the right economic plan — working with global investors and local leaders so we can deliver jobs, opportunity and long‑term prosperity for Britain.”
The park could even stay open all year round and have longer opening hours than other UK theme parks.
Previous suggestions included opening hours from 7am to 11pm.
Included in the theme park plans is a new train station which is being incorporated to cope with demand.
In the mean time, The Sun’s Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski visited Universal’s huge new £7bn theme park.